Abiy Ahmed insists on staging this farce he labels an “election”—even as the country is torn apart by civil war, as every major political party refuses to participate, as the institutional framework—including his handpicked election board—remains unchanged, with parliamentary seats already apportioned before any ballot is cast, and as the public has made unequivocally clear that a forced election is neither their will nor their priority. Moreover, no credible observer—domestic or international—will be present. Every sign on the wall has warned against this folly which Abiy Ahmed wilfully ignored.

Under these conditions, the so-called “election” he is pressing ahead is not merely a sham, it is a political crime. A crime committed against our people, paid for with their own meagre and dwindling resources.

The OLA will not sit idly by while Abiy Ahmed mocks our people, squanders our collective wealth, while our people’s blood runs in the streets. Therefore, effective immediately, the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA) declares a total ban on all transport and movement across Oromia until June 4. No vehicles or commercial traffic is allowed. No unauthorized travel of any kind. The sole exception shall be designated ambulances operating under explicit humanitarian protocols. Any breach of this ban will be met with immediate and decisive consequences.

We further advise all members of the diplomatic corps currently in the capital to suspend, without exception, any travel to or within Oromia for the duration of this week.

OLF-OLA High Command
May 29, 2026

Oromia #Ethiopia